DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario on Monday spearheaded the celebration marking DHSUD’s third anniversary, with the housing czar noting the significant progress the sector had achieved over the past years.

With the theme “Providing decent homes for Filipino families,” this year’s celebration highlights the Department’s milestones during the period in delivering only the best public service.

Del Rosario expressed delight over the solid performance posted by the Department and its key shelter agencies (KSAs), noting that the housing sector was able to step up to the plate despite various challenges such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our performance and the accomplishments of our key shelter agencies can speak for itself. The record-breaking achievements of our KSAs bring forth outstanding service excellence as we continue to perform to better serve the Filipino people,” Secretary Del Rosario stressed.

“We did not only increase the number of houses that we built – we actually established high standards in developing housing communities that are sustainable and resilient. We help secure the future of our home dwellers, especially the underprivileged. With the high quality of our housing units thereby upholding their dignity and pride,” the housing czar noted.

According to Del Rosario, the housing sector remained vibrant despite the adverse impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – attributing the positive development to the strong partnership between the government and the private sector, especially the private developers.

In his message, the DHSUD chief cited the housing sector’s accomplishments over the past five years, wherein it posted the best performance in terms of annual housing production and financing with an average of 195,687 per year which is the highest among the previous six administrations since 1975.

Del Rosario stated that from 2016 to 2021, the housing sector produced and financed more than 1.07 million housing units, expressing optimism that DHSUD and the KSAs will be able to achieve more than 100% of their target under the Philippine Development Plan set by the National Economic Development Authority until the end of 2022.

The DHSUD chief also highlighted the Department’s main thrusts and strategies for 2022 with the goal of becoming a catalyst for positive change in empowering further the country’s housing, human settlements and urban development sector.

The housing czar said the Department will focus on the implementation of its 20-year national housing roadmap, as well as ensuring the completion of all housing projects that have been rolled out during the Duterte administration.

He expressed gratitude to the Department’s committed and dedicated workforce. “These happened outstandingly all because of you, the dedicated, competent and resilient workforce of the whole department you brought us through the adversities and remain continuously significant for the benefit of our stakeholders,” he added.

Del Rosario ended his message with a call to all DHSUD personnel and KSAs staff, as well as private developers, to remain united in fulfilling their common goal of advocating the housing principles and continue serving as a beacon of hope in establishing sustainable, resilient and affordable housing communities for every Filipino family who wish to have a house of their own.

Another highlight of Monday’s opening ceremony was the official launch of the DHSUD Hymn performed by folk singer and composer Noel Cabangon. The DHSUD Hymn’s message focuses on the Department’s efforts in upholding its mandate to providing access to sustainable, resilient and affordable homes to Filipinos, especially those from the low-income bracket.

DHSUD Undersecretary Marylin Pintor formally opened Monday’s program and underlined the Department’s pivotal role in revolutionizing the housing sector through its innovative and ecofriendly housing policies and programs.

“I hope we all will stand strong and keep moving forward in upholding our mission of improving the lives of the Filipino people by helping them enjoy their right to adequate housing and freedom from association,” USec. Pintor said.

Also in attendance at the event, held at the Central Office auditorium, were senior DHSUD officials, heads of bureaus and divisions as well as directors of regional offices. KSA heads and officials took part via video conference.

This week’s celebration features a spate of activities organized by the Department’s Central and Regional Offices, as well as the KSAs and partner-developers. Among the events lined up are the “Serbisyong pabahay, sagot naming Ka-BALAI” exhibit, a press conference, a “Kapihan sa DHSUD” forum and an Employees’ Night.